Video Production
Equipment to Consider
Camera - avoid gimmicks! What you need are a DV in and out facility and a mic input and, after that, spend your money on image quality, like 3-chip camcorders.
Tapes - plenty of extra tape for the camera and for the sound equipment.
Camera Accessories - a waterproof cover if it rains, different lenses, filters, a bag for accessories.
Batteries - for camera and any other equipment. Make sure they are charged up the night before.
Battery Charger - so you can be charging used batteries as you go.
Tripod - make sure the camera fits the tripod plate.
Lights - which type(s) do you need?
Bulbs - spare lightbulbs are always useful as they can blow out easily.
Stands - for lights, microphones if necessary.
Microphones - what types do you need? Handheld, tie-mics (clip on), radio mics?
Boom Pole - to attach the microphone to so the crew can stay out of shot.
Mixer - to balance to sound as it is being recorded.
Sound recorder - are you recording sound separately from the camera? Do you need a Digital Audio Recorder (DAT), or other equipment?
Spare cables - make sure you have all the correct cables to connect equipment together (e.g. microphones to camera, microphones to sound equipment etc.).
Extension Cables - long cables may be useful, especially if you are moving equipment around. Spare cables are always useful.
Filters/Gels - for the lights to give the lighting mood and atmosphere. They are even used to give an impression of daylight.
Pegs - always useful, especially to attach gels to lights. Can be used to hold props and costumes in place too! Use clothes pegs or bull clips if you need to.
Gloves - thick workmen’s gloves should be used when handling lights as they get very hot very quickly.
Reflector - used for directing light towards/away from a subject when the light itself is too harsh or cannot be pointed at it directly.
Tools - a couple of different screwdrivers, and a ‘multi-tool’ or something similar will come in handy for all sorts of things.
Stationery - have plenty of paper, blank storyboard sheets, pens and a clipboard. Useful for noting shots and using for any last minute script alteration.
Permission or Personal release forms - see chapter 6 and later in this appendix.
Gaffer Tape - very strong glue backed sticky tape, very handy but don’t use it on skin or wood varnish!